Senior Mechanical Engineer

Summary

Alquist 3D is seeking a senior, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to be a major contributor to the mechanical development of our advanced concrete 3D printing systems; from early prototypes to field-deployable hardware. This is a startup-style role: you will move quickly, design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA), and make pragmatic tradeoffs when needed to keep schedules and deployments on track. You will produce manufacturing-ready CAD and drawing packages, help define tolerances and acceptance criteria, and contribute to the mechanical design standards and processes that enable repeatable builds. You’ll work closely with Solutions Engineering, Software, Operations, and end users to deliver mechanical solutions in the innovative field of robotic 3D concrete printing.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end mechanical design for concrete 3D printing systems and related tooling, from concept through release and field support.
• Design with DFM/DFA as a first principle; balance ideal engineering with real-world constraints (cost, lead time, supplier capability, field serviceability) and document tradeoffs.
• Create and maintain manufacturing-ready drawing sets and a clear release/revision process for parts, assemblies, and BOMs.
• Define tolerances, acceptance criteria, and inspection approaches for fabricated and machined parts; partner with Operations to establish incoming inspection and build quality checks.
• Collaborate with Solutions Engineering and Software to define mechanical-electrical-software interfaces, integration requirements, and test plans.
• Lead rapid prototyping, hands-on assembly, and iterative testing; troubleshoot failures, implement corrective actions, and drive designs to stable, repeatable builds.
• Perform tolerance analysis and engineering calculations to ensure performance, durability, alignment, and serviceability; use simulation/FEA when appropriate.
• Work directly with vendors, fabricators, and machine shops to source parts, close open questions, and improve designs based on supplier feedback.
• Support field deployments as needed: diagnose mechanical issues, implement fast fixes, and feed learnings back into design standards and next-generation hardware.
• Build and document mechanical design standards and processes with CTO approval; communicate status and risks, and contribute to project plans and timelines.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design (machines, automation, robotics, or industrial equipment), including ownership of designs from prototype through production/field use.
• Strong proficiency in CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and producing clear, controlled drawing/BOM releases.
• Demonstrated experience creating machining/fabrication drawing sets and applying GD&T, with an understanding of inspection intent and tolerance stack-ups.
• Strong DFM/DFA mindset and comfort making pragmatic design concessions to meet cost, schedule, and manufacturability constraints.
• Working knowledge of common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, weldments, casting, additive, coatings) and industrial components (bearings, linear motion, hydraulics/pneumatics, fasteners).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to work through ambiguity, drive alignment, and execute with high ownership.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work safely in workshop.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial automation/robotics and digital fabrication tools (e.g., KUKA robotic arms, end effectors, linear motion systems).
• Comfort with lightweight automation (e.g., Python or Grasshopper) for parametric modeling, design utilities, or test/analysis workflows.
• Experience establishing design standards/processes (templates, part numbering, revision control) and working directly with machine shops/fabricators to drive cost, quality, and lead-time improvements.